4 Easy Steps to Test Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors

Testing the function of your home’s smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors is will help keep your family safe. Not sure how to properly test them? Here’s a handy guide to make sure you don’t miss any of the steps.

Generally most of us remember to change the batteries in our detectors when we observe Daylight Savings time changes, but these devices should be also be tested monthly to ensure they are in good working order.

For the purposes of this guide, we will be explaining how to test your home’s CO/Smoke Detector combo devices.

How to Test a Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm

Warn Occupants of CO/Smoke Detector Testing

This may seem like an overcautious first step but CO/Smoke Detectors can and should be very loud and may startle family members and animals present in your home. You should make sure everyone is aware of and prepared for the testing.

Sound Test

You have likely performed this test while changing your batteries. Simply hold the ‘test’ button down for a few seconds until you hear the piercing alarm.

You should replace the CO/Smoke Detector if:

The alarm does not sound

The alarm is not loud and ear piercing

If the other alarms in your home do not also sound (As of 2014, Alberta Building Codes require that all alarms be interlinked)

Canned Smoke Test

Even if your alarm does sound, it is no guarantee that it is still able to sense smoke. Debris may prevent smoke from entering the sensing chamber, or the device may have failed. To properly test the detection function of your CO/Smoke Detectors, you should perform a canned smoke test. Canned Smoke can be purchased from a hardware store and should be used as follows:

Hold the canned smoke 2-3 feet from the CO/Smoke Detector and spray for 3 seconds.

If the device does not sound within 5 seconds, immediately spray for 3 more seconds.

If the alarm still does not sound, your detector may be malfunctioning. Complete a visual inspection (step 4) to make sure there is no debris and batteries are good.

Here is a great video demonstrating how to test a CO/smoke detector with canned smoke.

Visual Inspection

Remove the CO/Smoke Detector from its mounting bracket and check for the following:

Expiry Date

CO/Smoke Detectors expire every 7-10 years. If your unit is expired or close to expiring, it will need to be replaced.

Debris

Dust, Grease and hair can clog the detector and prevent it from functioning properly. Check for large obstructions and give your CO/Smoke Detectors a quick wipe with a damp cloth to ensure they are clean.

Battery Check

This is the part everyone knows! Batteries should be replaced every 6 months. Changing your batteries during every Daylight Savings time change makes it easy to remember and you will always know how old the batteries are.

Hardwired CO/Smoke Detectors must also have batteries installed and changed on a regular basis. These batteries serve as a backup in case of power failure.

How often should CO/Smoke Detectors be Tested and Checked?

The Government of Canada’s Fire Safety Information Page recommends checking your detectors EVERY month. A check every 6 months is not enough. Electronic devices, including CO/Smoke Detectors, can fail at any time due to electronic malfunction, faulty batteries, power surges, etc.

Alberta Building Code requirements for Carbon Monoxide Detectors

The Alberta Building Code was updated in 2014 and now requires CO Detectors in all residential dwellings that have attached garages or contain fuel-burning appliances such as gas furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, ranges, etc. The Alberta Code guidelines for CO Detectors stipulate they must be installed as follows:

A CO detector must be installed inside each bedroom, or if outside, they must be installed within 5 meters of each bedroom door.

At least one on each level of your home.

All newly installed detectors must be interconnected so they will all sound if one is triggered.

Alberta Building Code requirements for Smoke Detectors

The guidelines for Smoke Detector installation are the same as the CO Detectors with the following additions:

A smoke detector must be installed inside EACH bedroom AND each hallway connected to a bedroom.

If you are unsure if your home's detectors are up to code standards, or if you just need assistance performing any of the tests, please give Gentlemen Electric a call. Our experts will test your CO/smoke detecting system and make sure everything is working as it should.